Blackbird 12.5" Tonearm: revised with DIN Connector.

Blackbird 12.5" Tonearm: revised with DIN Connector

http://newartvinyl.ru/board/detali_proigryvatelja/tonarm_black_bird12_5_5pin/7-1-0-53

If tempted, write them, you will find them to be very enthusiastic. I recommend them without hesitation.

Elliott

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Manufacturing Blackbird Video

http://newartvinyl.ru/news/izgotovlenie_tonarma_newartvinyl_black_bird12_5_carbon_chjornyj_aist/2018...

COST: (not direct comparison, just to say you can get a very nice long arm for not too much money)

75,000 rubles is $1,025. USD.

Used 12" Clearaudio, $6,700.

https://tmraudio.com/shop-new/vinyl/tonearms/clearaudio-universal-12-tonearm-new-w-full-warranty/

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MY BLACKBIRD:

I bought an earlier Russian Blackbird 12.5" effective length Tonearm, for my Vintage TT, shown here:

https://systems.audiogon.com/users/elliottbnewcombjr

Against sensible advice, I risked it. As I hoped, they are really good people, I am glad I did. Excellent friendly communication; made me a custom spacer needed for the height of Vintage JVC TT81 above the plinth.

Installation of that early version (they still offer it) gave me lack of sleep. I had to strip and solder 5 of the most delicate litz wires I ever encountered into a junction box. And then transport from shop to Plinth and install without tearing the little litz wires apart. Not for the average handyman, I had to learn new tricks. Whew, did it!

I told them repeatedly: they were nuts, they would sell a lot more of these if they would make it with a DIN connection. They finally did.

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What I like (aside from true 12.5" length):

Now: locate and drill a small hole. Simple Linn/Jelco base surface mount. Plug in Din cable, above board, easy access!

Attach cartridge to the brass plate. The easiest mount/overhang/null alignment I ever did.

Micrometer for precise arm height: /VTA/SRA adjustment. Not while playing, but very precise incremental vertical movement. Leave Micrometer in the base, or remove after setup. (Adjust VTA while playing: the Acos Lustre GST 801 is superb).

Underslung Counterweight, Clearaudio says about theirs:

" The counter-weight is underslung providing an optimal center of gravity and allowing fine adjustment of the tracking force."

Anti-Skate: gravity: dangling weight.